Device for delivering adhesive tape for sealing of packages



2 Sheets-Sheet l L. A. WATTERS Filed Feb. 3, 1928 DEVICE FOR DELIVERINGADHESIVE TAPE FOR SEALING OF PACKAGES Dec. 17, 1935. I L, A, WAT ER2,024,55

DEVICE FOR DELIVERING ADHESIVE TAPE FOR SEALING OF PACKAGES Filed Feb.5, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 HIHIHI FWFWFWFWFTTTI'TF'IFT low/5R A. MTTERS,

Patented Dec. 17, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FOR SEALING OFPACKAGES Luther A. Watters, Pearl, 111.

Application February 3,

1928, Serial No. 251,513

15 Claims. (Cl. 164-42) This invention pertains to machines fordelivering gummed strips for the purpose of sealing packages and thelike. More particularly, it

by pasting tape or paper or similar material over those parts of the boxwhich are to be held together for closing or sealing the same. In mostshipping departments, packages of a variety of different sizes must behandled and, accordingly, strips of tape of different length must beusedfor securing the packages.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide means whereby thepacker may quickly determine the length of tape required andquicklymeasure off and cut the exact length of tape and which will deliver thetape properly gummed and moistened ready for application to the package.

Another object of this invention is to provide such means whereby theseoperations may be carried out with increased rapidity and greaterconvenience of manipulation, in order that time may be saved in thepacking operation.

In most tape-delivering machines at present in use, there is frequentliability that the gummed side of the tape is not properly moistened,being either too wet or too dry, so that in either case the tape is'notsecurely attached to the package.

Accordingly, there is danger of its breaking away and permitting thepackage to open, with the consequent danger of loss or damage to thecontents.

Another object of this invention, therefore, is to provide such a devicewhich will not only measure and cut off the proper' length of tape, butwhich will moisten the tape uniformly and to just the right consistency.

Another object is to make such a machine which is simple in constructionand cheap to manufacture, portable and durable in service.

Further objects will appear from the following description, taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a,perspective view, showing means for determining and measuring the properlength of tape in accordance with this invention;

Figure 2 is a similar view, on a reduced scale, of a tape-deliveringdevice, showing another em bodiment.

Figure 3 is an enlarged view'of one end of the rule used for determiningthe length of tape;

Figure 4 is a front view of the machine shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail of the indicator plate of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a side view of Figure 4, with'the 5 side plate removed;

Figure 7 is a detail of the moistening pan.

Figure 8 is a perspective detail of the tape guide; and

Figure 9 is a detail of the indicator for stand- 10 ard lengths of tape.

Referring to the drawings, designates the packers table. In accordancewith this invention, a'rule 2 is provided, having a normal scale 3 ofinches or other suitable units and an over- 1.; lap scale 4, in whichthe units are double the length of those of the scale 3. A sliding stop5 may be mounted on the rule 2 and provided with a set screw 6 or othersimilar fastening for securing the stop in adjusted position.

In the use'of this portion of the device, the rule is fixed to the tableI along the edge thereof, as shown, and the stop 5 is set to indicate onthe overlap scale 4 the number of inches that the tape is to overlap theedge of the box. This overlap is indicated in Figure 1 at l. The scale 4is constructed with units of double length, so as to make allowance forthe double overlap; that is, an equal overlap on each end. For instance,if the packer wishes to allow two and one-half inches overlap on eachend, he sets the stop 5 at the 2 indication on the scale 4. This willautomatically set off on the scale 3 a length of five inches, therebyallowing for two overlaps of two" and one-half inches each. The package8 is then placed on the table along the rule 2, as indicated inFigure 1. .The reading at the edge of the package, taken on the scale 3,then gives the length of tape required-as indicated in' Figure 1,fifteen inches, which includes ten inches for the length 4 of the boxand two and one-half inches overlap at each end. Knowing the requiredlength of tape, the packer may proceed to measure and w cut off therequired length. v

The tape-delivering device comprises a base 9, 45 upon which are mountedupright side plates l0. Mounted in the side plates I0 is a shaft Iadapted to receive a reel ll. of gummed paper or the like. A brake I3 ofany suitable type maybe provided to prevent the reel from overrunning.The 50 tape l4 passes from the reel I! through a tape' I guide IS. Theguide I5 is provided with a window l6, into which two feeding rolls I7and I8 are adapted to project on opposite sides. One of these rolls llvmay be mounted on a bracket I9 55 upwardly in the same manner.

the elements 28, so that pivoted at 20 on the side plates l0 andtensioned by a spring 2|, so as to hold the same in engagement with thetape. The rolls l1 and I8 are connected by intermeshing gears 22, whichwill insure both rolls moving at the same rate.

Meshing with the upper one of the gears 22 is a. gear 23 fixed to a drum24 rotating on a shaft 25 mounted in the side plates l8. An endless band26 passes over the drum 24 and a similar drum 21 mounted at the top ofthe plates Ill. This drum has attached thereto at regular intervalsmanipulative elements 28 in the form of channel shape pieces. The widthof the channels and the spacing between the elements is such that theflanges will be substantially uniformly spaced along the band. Bygrasping one of the elements 28 at the front of the machine and pullingthe same downwardly, the operator causes the drum 24 to rotate, which inturn acts through the gears 23 and 22 to drive the rolls l1 and I8,thereby feeding the tape l4 from the reel. Located beside the band 26 ina vertical position is an indicator plate 29, having mounted thereon inappropriate positions opposite the various manipulative elements 28 aseries of indicating plates or tags 30. These tags bear a series ofnumbers progressively arranged from bottom to top. The left-hand row ofnumbers runs consecutively from 1 to, say, 28. The second row, beginningwith 29, runs upwardly to, say 56; while the third row, beginning at 57,runs consecutively The spacing of the tags 30 is the same as that of theflanges on each tag indicates the distance of a corresponding flangefrom the bottomposition.

A stop 68 is located at the bottom point of the band 26. This stop hasthe form of a roller or bar and is placed so that the operators handwill engage the same at the end of the movement of the band, so as toarrest that movement always at the same final position.

The ratio of the gearing 22 and 28 is such that a movement of the band26 from one indicator plate 29 to the next will cause one inch of tapeto be fed from the reel. Accordingly, by placing the fingers in contactwith a manipulative element 28 opposite any given number-for instance,20-on the indicator plate and moving the band downwardly until saidelement reaches the bottom, will cause 20 inches of tape to be fed fromthe reel.

Placed just below the tape guide I is a fount 3! adapted to hold aquantity of water or other liquid. This fount is constructed to have twocompartments, one a storage compartment 82, which is air tight, exceptfor an opening 88 in the lower portion thereof leading to the secondcompartment 84. Liquid placed in the c.mpartment 32 will run out of theopening 88 into the compartment 84 until the level of liquid in thelatter compartment rises so as to closethe opening 23, after which nofurther rise will take place. As the liquid in the compartment 84 isused and its level drops, bubbles of air will passthrough the opening 88into the compartment 82, thereby permitting more liquid to run out. Inthis way the level of the liquid in the compartment 84 is kept constant.A capillary element, in the form of a brush 3!, is loosely placed in thecompartment 84 so as to dip into the liquid and rest at its upper edgeagainst the upper edge of the compartment. This capillary element servesto raise the liquid to a point where it may be applied to the tape. Thelower end of the tape guide I! is placed so that tape emerging therefromwill be forced against the brush 35, so that its gummed side will bewiped against the brush. A series of short rollers 36, loosely mountedon a bar 81 supported by brackets 38 on the side plates ID are 5arranged to bear upon the upper side of the tape as it passes themoistening element 86. These rollers have sumcient weight to hold thetape in uniform engagement with the moistening brush throughout itswidth,- so that the moisture will be applied uniformly to the entirewidth of I the tape.

Positioned at the end of the tape guide I6 is a cutter 39 slidablymounted in the side plates l0 and operated by a manipulative element 48pivoted at 4| and tensioned by a spring 42. When the proper length oftape has been measured off and fed from the reel, the element 40 may bedepressed so as to move the cutter 38 downwardly so as to sever thetape. 20

In the use of this machine, the operator having determined the properlength of tape, places his hand upon the element 28 opposite that lengthof tape as indicated on the indicator plate 29. He then moves his handand the element 25 downwardly to its lowermost position, or until itengages the stop 60. This moves the band 26 so as to rotate the gear 28,thereby driving the feeding rolls l1 and I8 to feed the correspondinglength of tape from the reel. As the tape 30 is fed from the reel, it isthoroughly moistened by the brush 35. Upon completion of the feedingmovement, the operators hand is in position to immediately engage themanipulative element 4!] to operate the cutter to sever the tape. 35 Infact, these wo motions may easily be one continuous movement. Themachine is then immediately in a position for the repetition of thisoperation for delivering any desired length of tape. the maximum heightof the machine is desired, the required length may be found in thesecond row of figures. The operator then places his hand on themanipulative element 28 corresponding to, the figure required, say, 34,moves his 45 hand from this point to the bottom, then immediately graspsthe topmost element 28 and again moves his hand to the bottom, afterwhich he operates the cutter to sever the tape. In this way a lengthgreater than represented by the 50 maximum height of the machine caneasily be measured off. The third row of figures on the tags 30 may beused in the same manner, except that two strokes, the full length of themachine, will be made in this case. Where standard 55 lengths of tapeare used frequently, indicators 48 mounted for adjustment on the slide44 along the indicator plate 28 may be set at the standard lengths, sothat the operator may quickly pick out these standard lengths. 60

In order to take up any possible wear or stretch in the band 26 or thedrums 21, a takeup device, such as shown in Figure 6, may be provided.This consists simply of an arm 46 pivoted at 41 and carrying a roller 48and which 65 bears against the belt to keep the same taut. The arm 46may be tensioned by a spring 48, as shown. a

It will be seen that this invention provides means for greatlyfacilitating the packing op- 7i eration. A package of any dimensions maybe placed opposite the rule 2', its length quickly determined, and therequired length of tape quickly delivered by the delivering device. Thislength is then applied in the position desired. It more 7.

If a length greater than represented by 40 than one opening or edge ofthe box is to be covered with tape, it may be turned from one positionto another, so that each dimension is measured and the correspondinglength of tape indicated on the rule 2. Since the level of liquid iskept constant in the. water fount SI and the capillary element 35represents a constant height of lift above that level, a uniformquantity of water will always be carried in the element 35, so that thetape will always be moistened to the same extent. This is important forthe reason that, if the tape is either too wet or too dry, its adhesiveproperties are impaired, and the liability of the package being openedaccidentally is increased. The arrangement of the rule 2, together withthe quickness of delivery by the delivering device, makes it possible togreatly increase the speed of operation in sealing packages.

As it is customary, when closing operations at night, to remove the tapefrom the guide IS, the same may be accomplished by simply drawing itupwardly from the guide. The bracket is is provided with a finger-piecel5 projecting through one of the side plates it, so that this roll maybe depressed against the tension of the spring 2i when the tape is to bereinserted in the tape guide i 5.

While the device has been described as a complete combination, it willbe understood, of course, that parts or sub-combinations may be usefulwithout reference to other .parts or sub-combinations, and the use ofsuch combinations is contemplated by the invention. It is furtherobvious that various changes may be made, within the scope of theappended claims, in the details of construction without departing fromthe spirit of the invention; it is to be understood, therefore, thatthis invention is not limited to the specific details shown anddescribed.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

l. A tape-delivering device, comprising, means for feeding the tape, andactuating means for said feeding means including a series ofmanipulatable elements progressively spaced from and movable to adefinite position, whereby said feeding means may be actuated todispense a length of tape in accordance with the movement of any of saidelements.

2. A tape-delivering device, comprising, means for feeding the tape,actuating means including a movable band having a series ofmanipulatable elements spaced therealong, and operating connectionsbetween said actuating means and said feeding means whereby to feed alength of tape in accordance with the element manipulated.

3. In a tape'serving device, tape advancing means including a membermovable in a circuitous path, said path having a rectilinear portion ofsubstantial length, said member being exposed for manipulation along therectilinear portion of the path.

4. In a tape serving device, tape advancing means including a membermovable in one direction thru a closed path having a straight portion ofsubstantial length along which the member is exposed for manipulation,and a stationary gauge adjacent said straight portion for indicatinglength of tape dispensed upon movement of said member.

5. In a tape serving device, tape advancing means including a membermovable in one direction thru a closed path having .a' straight portionof substantial length along which the member is exposed formanipulation, a series of manipulable elements along said member, and astationary gauge adjacent said straight portion for indicating length oftape dispensed upon 5 movement of a selected element to the end of saidstraight portion.

6. A tape-delivering device, comprising, means for feeding the tape,actuating means therefor including a movable band having an elementthereon disposed for manipulation by an operator in a substantiallyvertical sweep of substantial length, and operating connections betweensaid actuating means and said feeding means whereby tofeed a length oftape in accordance with the movement of said band.

7. A tape-delivering device, comprising, means for feeding the tape, aseries of progressively spaced elements manipulatable along asubstantially straight path, means cooperating with said elementsadapted to actuate said feeding means to deliver a length of tapecorresponding to the element manipulated, a manipulatable actuatorpositioned in line with and adapted for actuation along said path, and acutter operable by said actuator to sever the tape.

8. In combination with a tape-delivering device having means for feedingthe tape and actuating means therefor including a manipulable elementmovable along a definite path for a distance corresponding to the lengthof tape fed; a length scale along said path having length indicationscorresponding to a length of tape fed greater than that fed by a singlestroke of said manipulable element, said scale; having an index fixingthe terminal point for all measuring strokes.

9. In combination with a tape-delivering device having means for feedingthe tape and actuating means therefor including a manipulable elementmovable along a definite path for a distance cor- 4O responding to thelength of tape fed; a. length scale along said path having lengthindications corresponding to a length of tape fed by differentfractional strokes of said manipulable element, and additionalindications corresponding to lengths greater than that fed by a singlefull stroke of said element, said scale having an index fixing theterminal point for all measuring strokes.

10. A tape-delivering device, comprising, means for feeding the tape,actuating means therefor including a series of manipulable elementsprogressively spaced from and movable to a definite position, wherebysaid feeding means may be actuated to dispense a length of tape inaccordance with the movement of any of said elements, and a length scalehaving length indications opposite the normal positionspf said elements,certain of said indications designating a length greater than themaximum-stroke of said elements, said scale having an index fixing theterminal point for all measuring strokes.

'11. In combination, a tape-delivering device having means for feedingthe tape and actuating means therefor including a manipulable elementmovable along a definite path for a distance corresponding to the lengthof tape fed; a length scale along said path having length indicationscorresponding to a length of tape fed greater than that fed by a singlestroke of said manipulable element, said scale having an index fixingthe ter- 7 minal point for all measuring strokes, and means for severingthe tape at the end of a stroke.

' 12. In combination, a tape-delivering device having means for feedingthe tape and actuating means therefor including a manipulable element 7movable along a definite path for a distance corresponding to the lengthof tape fed; a length scale along said path having length indicationscorresponding to a length of tape fed by different fractional strokes ofsaid manipulable element, and additional indications corresponding tolengths greater than that fed by a single full stroke of said elementwhereby a length of tape greater than that fed by one full stroke may bemeasured of! and fed, said scale having an index fixing the terminalpoint for all measuring strokes, and means for severing the measuredlength of tape at the end of a stroke.

13. A tape-delivering device, comprising, means for feeding the tape,actuating means therefor including a series of manipulable elementsprogressively spaced from and movable to a definite position, wherebysaid feeding means may be actuated to dispense a length of tape inaccordance with the movement of any of said elements, a length scalehaving length indications opposite the normal positions of saidelements, certain of said indications designating a length greater thanthe maximum stroke of said elements, whereby a length of tape greaterthan that fed by one full stroke may be measured on! and fed, said scalehaving an index fixing the terminal point for all measuring strokes, andmeans for severing the measured length of tape at the end of a stroke.

14. In combination, a tape-delivering device 5 having means for feedingthe tape and actuating means therefor including a manipulable elementmovable along a definite path for a distance corresponding to the lengthof tape fed; a length scale along said path having length indications 1'corresponding to a length of tape fed greater than i that fed by asingle stroke of said manipulable element.

15. In combination, a tape-delivering device having means for feedingthe tape and actuat- 15 ing means therefor including a. manipulableelement movable along a definite path for a distance corresponding tothe length of tape fed; a length scale along said path having lengthindications corresponding to a length of tape fed greater :0 than thatfed by a single stroke. of said manipulable element, and means forsevering the tape at an index point of said scale.

LUTHER A. WA'I'I'ERS. I

